Patek Philippe has unveiled a significant addition to its Cubitus collection at Watches and Wonders: the Cubitus Perpetual Calendar Skeleton 5840P-001. This timepiece represents a major milestone as the first Grand Complication within the Cubitus series, showcasing both technical prowess and refined aesthetics. It extends the Cubitus line's reputation for luxury and intricate design, incorporating elements that are both innovative and deeply rooted in Patek Philippe's horological heritage. The launch emphasizes the brand's ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries while maintaining its distinctive style.
The new Cubitus Perpetual Calendar Skeleton 5840P-001 maintains the platinum case introduced with the original Cubitus in 2024. Its dimensions remain consistent with other large models in the collection, featuring a 45mm diameter. Despite the integration of a more complex perpetual calendar caliber, the watch's thickness has only slightly increased from 9.6mm to a still remarkably slender 10mm, a testament to Patek Philippe's engineering finesse. In keeping with the tradition of platinum Patek watches, a baguette-cut diamond is subtly set into the bezel at the 6 o'clock position, adding an exclusive touch of luxury.
The most striking innovation lies in the dial and movement. The iconic ribbed pattern, a hallmark of the Nautilus and Cubitus collections, has been ingeniously laser-cut to reveal the intricate workings of the new shaped caliber. This marks the first skeletonized Cubitus model and, notably, the first in the line to house a shaped movement. The symmetrical dial features three subdials dedicated to the perpetual calendar: a day of the week and 24-hour indicator at 9 o'clock, a month and leap year display at 3 o'clock, and a date combined with an oversized moonphase at 6 o'clock. This larger moonphase display, drawing inspiration from the brand's 175th-anniversary limited editions, utilizes a single photorealistic moon that completes one rotation per lunar cycle, rendered with black metalization and laser engraving for remarkable detail.
The Caliber 28-28 Q SQU, while new to the Cubitus line, is an evolution of the classic Caliber 240 Q, famously found in the 5140G and 5740 Nautilus Perpetual Calendar. This automatic movement offers a 48-hour power reserve and operates at 21,600 VpH, equipped with a Gyromax balance and a Spiromax balance spring. Necessary adjustments were made to ensure a perfect fit within the Cubitus's distinct silhouette, including redesigned bridges that conform to the case's shape and adapted corrector mechanisms for the square case. The moonphase mechanism has also been specifically updated for this model. The caliber's monochrome rhodium-plated finish, accented by heat-blued screws and a hand-engraved microrotor featuring the Calatrava motif, further underscores its exquisite craftsmanship. Clear sapphires replace traditional rubies for pivots, enhancing the monochromatic aesthetic, while the bridge slats provide ample surface for detailed anglage.
The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Skeleton 5840P-001 is priced at CHF 150,000, reflecting its status as a Grand Complication and the innovative engineering it embodies. This introduction at Watches and Wonders underscores Patek Philippe’s enduring legacy in haute horlogerie, offering collectors and enthusiasts a timepiece that harmoniously blends complex mechanics with a bold, refreshed aesthetic. The watch is now available, inviting admirers to experience this unique fusion of tradition and avant-garde design.